In Australia, the support and services provided for people with disabilities has long been underfunded, inequitable, and inefficient. In which has given people with disability’s little choice and no certainty of access to appropriate services (Reddihough, Meehan, Stott & Delacy, 2016). Often, individuals did not receive services nor support required and were often isolated and financially disadvantaged (Reddihough, Meehan, Stott & Delacy, 2016). People with Disabilities were often refused the basic rights that others take for granted. They were ignored, hidden, cursed and treated as unwanted (Verick, M, 2015). However, in 1908, the Australian Government introduced the Invalid pension that provided little independence to people with disabilities …show more content…
The Act provided a complete framework for funding and provision of disability support services. Additionally, the Act led to the DSA disability services program being established (Phillips, J, 2008). Furthermore, in 1986 the Australian Human Rights Commission Act was introduced in which provided the commission the power to hear and respond to complaints of discrimination (Humanrights.gov.au) Later in 1992, the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was brought about. The legislation prohibits discrimination against a person with a disability, it is preceded by State and Territory anti-discrimination legislation. However, the legislation varies across jurisdiction as there are different definitions held about disability across Australia …show more content…
The report was part of the Rudd government election platform to develop the National Disability Strategy, in which aimed to provide a governing framework for the design (Soldatic, K & Pini, B 2012 & Deane, 2009). The report also discovered the direct challenge of government funding that suggests the disability sector needed new funding mechanisms and service delivery models. (Soldatic, K & Pini, B 2012). Additionally, in 2009, a report on consultation found that there was still little social inclusion, poor quality disability services and high levels of unemployment (Ramcharan, P, 2016). Due to block funding that went directly to the provider of goods and services, not the person requiring the service. Nevertheless, due to the limit of services provided they weren’t able to respond to the diverse needs of people with disabilities (Ramcharan, P, 2016). This issue was also highlighted in the Productivity Commission 2011 report that found block funding gave people with disabilities little choice and no certainty of accessing appropriate support. It was clear Australia was in need of change, as the funding and services were at breaking point with major gaps in accessing equitable goods and services across one’s lifespan were